THE Westmorland show season opened with a jam-packed event in Furness which attracted praise from competitors, visitors and judges alike.

The North Lonsdale Agricultural Show set the bar for the rest of the season when it was held yesterday, with dozens of people hailing the bumper number of entries and the way the event has ‘truly settled’ into its new venue at Urswick.

“We come every year – it must be at least 10 years now,” said Roosebeck resident, Valerie Mellings, who attended with husband, Mark.

"It's been a great day and the show has really settled on this site since last year.

"There's always a lot to see and some great produce to buy too.

"It's been a brilliant day again."

The event, held for the first time last year on the Recreational Hall Fields at Urswick after moving from Bardsea, drew crowds from right around the North West.

Hundreds of competitors - 'well up' on last year's numbers - turned out to show off their cattle, sheep, horses, poultry, rabbits and fresh produce.

Entrants of all ages were later seen proudly clutching rosettes and trophies.

In the cattle ring Andrew Dennison, of Scales Park Farm, wowed judges with his three-year-old dairy Holstein, Denmire Goldwyn Reba, which took the champion cow prize for the second year in a row.

“I'm really pleased,” he said. “We just come to support our local show and to win is a bonus.

“The new venue must have brought us some good luck, as we've won both years since the show moved!”

In the sheep pen the overall champion was won by a three-year-old female Texel, owned by husband-and-wife team of Ian and Claire Shuttleworth, of Far Mountbarrow Farm, Ulverston.

“It makes all the hard work worth it,” said Mr Shuttleworth, just moments after the judge's decision was made.

“We spend a lot of time on the preparation, getting them ready.

“When it was raining this morning I was quite disheartened, it was a bit of a downer.

“But now the sun is shining and we're really pleased. We might go to Lowick and Broughton shows now too!”

Judges throughout the show spoke of the 'high quality' entries they had been faced with.

Chairman of the marquee committee Louise Storey said: “Last year we had just one or two entries in some classes and this year it has definitely gone up.

“The quality is fantastic too.”

However, the show's commentator failed to turn up, which led to a team of volunteers having to step in to take over the job.

Heavy rain also lashed the site as the show opened.

However, it managed to attract a large crowd - and a bit of sunshine - and show secretary Margaret Coward said she thought visitor numbers were at least equal to last year.

“The area has supported us once again,” she added.

“It has been a great day.

“The standard of showing and the number of entries have been much higher across all classes.

Best in Show & Best Lop: Shoremont Stud, Agouti French Lop. Runner up Best in Show and Best Rex: JWH Brown, Seal Rex. Best Fur: Marshmoor Stud, Ivory Satin Best Fancy: Belgian Silver Grey. Best Pet: Jessica Viljakainen.